No trip to Leland is complete without wandering through Fishtown, one of Michigan’s most photographed destinations. Weathered fishing shanties, rustic smokehouses, commercial fishing docks, and boardwalks have been preserved for generations.

We’re talking about one of the last working commerical fishing villages on the Great Lakes! If you visit in the morning or early afternoon you might get to see fishing tugs returning with thier catch.

The shanties used for stores and restaurants today were once smoke houses, ice houses, and net sheds.

These iconic Michigan fishing tugs live in Leland’s Historic Fishtown and they’re not just decorations. They still work as commercial fishing vessels bringing in fresh fish from the Great Lakes.

Leland is a town with deep commercial fishing roots, and is one of the last, and most active commercial fishing villages on the Great Lakes.

One of the best things about visiting Leland is simply wandering. Browse locally owned boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, home decor shops, and specialty food stores.

From tree-lined Main Street to wooden shanties filled with little shops beside the Leland River, it’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir, or buy yourself something made in Northern Michigan..

Some of our favorites:

• Two Fish Gallery: stocked with items you can’t find anywhere else
• Wild Lettie: fun outdoorsy gear & greeting cards
• The Dam Candy Store: candy galore
• Tug Stuff: packed with everything to remind you of your visit

Van’s Beach is one of the area’s best spots to relax along Lake Michigan. It’s got everything you’ve come to expect from Lake Michigan beaches: soft sand, crystal-clear water, and sweeping views of Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

Spend the afternoon swimming, rock hunting, or simply enjoying the incredible views of the Manitou Islands in the distance.

Speaking of rock hunting, Van’s is one of our favorite places to hunt for Petoskey Stones and Leland Bluestone in the early spring or fall when there aren’t as many people visiting the beach.

Whether you’re craving fish tacos or a classic whitefish sandwhich, Leland is one of the best places in Michigan to enjoy fresh Lake Michigan Seafood.

For starters, the fresh whitefish dip from Carlson’s Fishery cannot be beat. Carlson’s is a walk-up fish market rather than a restaurant so plan to take your food to go. There are picnic tables and benches nearby this

People line up at Carlson’s for smoked fish sausage. They also sell beef jerky and turkey sausage too for those in your party who aren’t as fish forward.

Carlson’s has been in operation since 1904, and has been handed down through five generations. Fishtown wouldn’t be Fishtown without the Carlson family.

The Cove in Leland has sit-down dining overlooking the Leland River.

Its location near the Fish Ladder makes for spectacular dinner entertainment, especially in the fall when the salmon are running. Huge fish jump from one level up to the next until they make it upstream to where they hatched.

The Cove serves local whitefish in various styles (entrees, fish and chips, tacos) alongside their famous seafood chowder.

The beauty of Leelanau Peninsula has been inspiring artists for decades and the galleries in Leland showcase everything from landscape paintings and photography to jewelry and pottery.

Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s a fun way to spend part of an afternoon.

We’ve got lots of love for the funky fun finds at Two Fish Gallery

Shop a curated collection of art good and jewelry at Edgewater Gallery

Find incredible flyover and landscape photography, as well as original water color paintings at The Art Dock, located in the former home of the Grand Traverse Distillery.

Try your hand at oil painting or purchase Paul Olsen’s works at Paul W. Olsen Fine Art Studio & Gallery.

Looking for handmade pottery you can use everyday at home? Banjamin Maier Ceramics makes elevated stoneware mugs, bowls, plates, and more that will make everyday more beautiful.

Don’t miss Good Harbor Gallery just down M22 in Maple City. It’s got lots of art inspired by Leelanau’s beauty and nature.